Behind Tri-Color Spud's aggression was a silver-haired delinquent youth, not as foolish as Spud, noting the long-legged arrival with a defiantly handsome face.
"Dragon, bro."
Under the tension and fear, the silver-haired youth instinctively tensed, nodding towards the imposing Lin Yu with a trembling voice.
"Get lost!"
Lin Yu was fuming – partly at the refined youth's aggravation, partly because he had to intervene to save Tang Manman again, bringing them into contact. He was in a mood to kick any stray dog he came across.
Despite the silver-haired youth's decent attempt at greeting, he still ended up stumbling from a heavy elbow jab by Lin Yu.
Approaching the locked women's restroom door, Lin Yu ferociously banged on it, bellowing:
"Everyone out, now!"
"Don't make me say it twice!"
The restroom door echoed loudly under his assault, seeming as if it might give way.
Ignoring the panic-shifted expression from the purple-haired instigator, Lin Yu focused on Tang Manman, cornered in the restroom. She knelt on the tiled floor, clutching her sullied uniform, her tender face flushed from smacks received.
The gang around her, stirred by Lin Yu's fury, were at a loss, one still holding her phone, perhaps aiming to continue their suspended mischief.
Seeing this, Lin Yu's head spun with rage.
Ran out of new tricks, have you?
Determined to wreck Tang Manman's life, aren't you?
It was high time they learned a lesson.
His gaze darted among the bullies before settling on the purple-haired girl who answered the door, his voice icy:
"Strip."
"Huh?"
Confusion or perhaps shock at the incredulous order painted the purple-haired girl's features as she glanced back at Lin Yu.
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SMACK!
A harsh slap welcomed her gaze.
"Take off your clothes!" Lin Yu roared.
The purple-haired girl, dumbstruck by the slap, began disrobing before the entire hallway.
Her pristine school uniform came off, revealing a purple short-sleeve shirt underneath.
Lin Yu snatched her uniform, hurling it toward Tang Manman in the corner. It gained filthy stains, now unwearable.
The uniform accurately landed on Tang Manman, who hesitated to wear the bully's attire, her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.
Unconcerned, Lin Yu then coldly ordered the purple-haired girl:
"Now, your pants."
The command grounded her flitting consciousness. Untouched by the slap's sting, her left cheek blossomed red as she tightly grabbed at her trousers, whispering,
"I... I'm not wearing anything underneath..."
Another forceful slap landed on her.
"Take them off!" Lin Yu demanded.
The purple-haired girl trembled under his glare, finally slowly reaching for her waistband under the watchful eyes of the hallway.
Lin Yu smirked internally at her evident fear.
Scared now?
What happened to the bravado from before?
Without teaching you a harsh lesson, you’d never learn restraint.
And claiming not to wear anything beneath? A shallow attempt to preserve dignity.
Convinced she lied, Lin Yu impatiently prodded again.
"Do it, now!"
Under duress, the purple-haired girl sobbed, closing her eyes as tears smeared her makeup, leaving a dark streak down her lightly made-up face.
Lin Yu, however, began to doubt his stance as her trembling hands revealed a hint of purple lace.
Witnessing the lace, Lin Yu's eyes widened.
Such unique lace commonly adorned only a few types of garments.
With only one possibility remaining, he realized,
Damn, she wasn't lying.
Silently cursing, Lin Yu grabbed her by the hair and kicked her into the restroom, slamming the door shut behind her, yelling:
"Switch pants with Tang Manman!"
"If I see a single stain on that uniform when she comes out, you’ll regret it!"
Soon, rustling sounds emerged from the restroom. When the door opened again, Tang Manman stepped out in a clean, well-fitted uniform, wiping tears from her eyes.
Behind her was the purple-haired girl, her cheek swelling but still wearing her modified school uniform, handing over Tang Manman's soiled clothes to another.
Lin Yu, uninterested in further drama, knew it was time to make a stand to avoid endless trouble ahead.
Facing the crowded hallway, Lin Yu chose the direct approach.
Constantly avoiding Tang Manman, yet unable to escape fate.
From now on,
She'll have to avoid me.
With a sharp look, Lin Yu declared:
"From now on, Tang Manman is under my protection."
"To everyone in this school, bother her again, and you bother me!"
Turning to the purple-haired girl, he pulled her close, warning,
"And that goes for you too!"
"You and your lackeys."
"If Tang Manman faces any harassment in this school, I’ll deal with you first, then with the bully."
He shook her head to emphasize, releasing her only when she nodded in pain.